Frustration as Cobblers’ clash at York is called off

Jeremy Casey

Boss Chris Wilder was left frustrated by the decision to postpone the Cobblers’ clash at York City on Boxing Day due to a waterlogged pitch - but admitted he wasn’t surprised.

Heavy rainfall in the north of England throughout Christmas Day and into Boxing Day meant the playing surface at Bootham Cresecent wasn’t fit for play, and the match was called off at 10.30am on Saturday.

The Cobblers players had left for the game, but were forced to turn back when the postponement was confirmed, and Wilder admits that it is a disappointment for his high-flying team.

“We’re obviously disappointed but we’re not surprised,” said Wilder.

“There has been a lot of rain in the area and looking at it there have been quite a few postponements.

“We’ll sit back now and look at how the results go for us but as I’ve said before there is still a hell of a long way to go.

“We had set off for the game and all our preparation had been done but it’s just one of those things and now we look forward to Accrington on Monday.”

Wilder and his players will now be hoping other results got their way on Saturday.

The Cobblers are currently second in Sky Bet League Two, level on points with leaders Plymouth, who entertain struggling Yeovil at Home Park.

Third-placed Oxford are also at home against Exeter City, while fourth-placed Portsmouth, 2-1 winners over Northampton last weekend, are on the road again at Leyton Orient.

The Cobblers’ Sixfields opponents on Monday, Accrington Stanley, also had their Boxing Day match against Carlisle United postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.